Outside Kyoto, Japan in 1671, several Japanese soldiers led by Whitebeard ready their bows and arrows and prepare to battle Takezo Kensei. Several others stay ready for battle on horseback. Together, they wait for Kensei, who arrives from over a nearby hill.

Out of nowhere, Hiro Nakamuratime travels to their location. Before the soldiers attack, an eclipse occurs above their heads and they lower their weapons in awe.

Later, several of Whitebeard's men ambush Takezo Kensei, shooting him twice in the shoulder and then placing another arrow into his chest. Believing Takezo dead, they abduct Yaeko and leave. Distraught at the death of his hero, Hiro pulls the arrow from Takezo's chest and is amazed when Takezo's wound heals before his eyes.

In Chapter 1, "The Battle of the Twelve Swords", Professor Donna Dorn reports that White Beard expects easy victories, so he marches to Otsu with only a small company of men. He is met by Takezo Kensei, who saves the people of Otsu, in what eventually became known as the Battle of Twelve Swords.